DavidHarris
Well Known Member
I'm about to paint the step on my Vans RV7-A before installing it on the fuselage. I'm a novice painter and am looking for advice about best practices.
There's some black layer on the steel steps that I've read is called mill scale. I've sanded most of it off. Do I need to get it perfect to avoid paint flaking? Would sand blasting be easier?
I figure I'll then prime with Rustoleum self-etching primer from a rattle can.
Then I need to paint. I'm expecting to paint the plane's exterior mostly yellow with black highlights, but haven't picked out paints or decided if I'm doing it myself or taking it to a shop. I figure the step will probably be yellow, matching the exterior. I'm concerned about getting the step to match if the paints differ. Should I just prime and wait until the exterior painting to also paint the step, or will I regret not fully painting the step at this stage? If I do paint now, what exterior paints have worked well?
What kind of non-slip pad or paint works well on the step?
Thanks!
David
There's some black layer on the steel steps that I've read is called mill scale. I've sanded most of it off. Do I need to get it perfect to avoid paint flaking? Would sand blasting be easier?
I figure I'll then prime with Rustoleum self-etching primer from a rattle can.
Then I need to paint. I'm expecting to paint the plane's exterior mostly yellow with black highlights, but haven't picked out paints or decided if I'm doing it myself or taking it to a shop. I figure the step will probably be yellow, matching the exterior. I'm concerned about getting the step to match if the paints differ. Should I just prime and wait until the exterior painting to also paint the step, or will I regret not fully painting the step at this stage? If I do paint now, what exterior paints have worked well?
What kind of non-slip pad or paint works well on the step?
Thanks!
David